I know I am going to sound a little paranoid; but my husbad just passed away 3 months ago so I am very paranoid about everything. I am 50 and he was only 56. His passing was very sudden (three weeks prior to his passing he was diagnoised with lung cancer). So, as I said I am just scared of what is going to happen next.

After being turned down several times he finally won his case in October 2007. The Past due benefits went back to November 2003.

I have been going through boxes of paperwork trying get his things sorted out and I started to wonder if there is any possibility that Social Security could decide to take some of the money back? He was only on social security disability NOT social security income.

I have heard of situations in which they figure out they have overpaid someone and then demand money back. From the best of my knowledge and after hours of pouring over the social security documents everything appears to be in order and all of the figures seem to add up. (I guess this is where the parnoria comes in; I just keep waiting for the next bad thing to happen)

Does anyone know if they "audit" a person who is no longer living? How many years back can they audit? Would they come after me for the money (everything was jointly owned and there was not an "estate".)

Just wondering if anyone has lost a spouse and then experienced this. By the way, I work full time and do not receive any of his benefits.
Thanks for your help

I am sorry for your loss.

I'd only worry about what you can control.....returning his SSDI for the month he passed away and since then if you happened to receive those benefits that you weren't entitled to.

Social Security does not perform 'audits' unless there is a reason to reopen a previous decision.

I cannot envision a scenerio from what you say in which SSA would reopen your husband's favorable decision.

Your loss may be fueling your fears, so do what you need to do to work through the grief. But it is a process that takes time. Give yourself time and try hard to let go of things out of your control, like the last poster said.